Time to join the party?

What teenager is interested in politics when there are so many more important things in life to worry about? Let’s face it politics is boring and confusing.

Sunday, March 25th however, will see a huge party held in Berlin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Union, of which the United Kingdom is a member.

This is something which Brits either hate or love, there doesn’t seem to be much fence sitting.

The Europhiles boast about the EU bringing lasting peace and prosperity to Europe, whilst the Europhobes point out the financial burden it puts on British families and the harm that EU interference does to business and enterprise.

A few facts that are often overlooked are that it was the American “Marshall Plan” that provided reconstruction aid to Europe in the aftermath of World War II and laid the foundations for the creation of the EU.

Similarly, it is American military might and technology that underpins the strength and influence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) whereas the idea of an effective European defence force able to implement EU foreign policy remains a widly optimistic dream because of the enormous costs required to make it credible reality.

Finally, the USA was created from scratch, whereas the EU seeks to fuse together exsisting nations. The EU is still evolving, for better or worse.

Personally, I hadn’t given it a single thought until now, but perhaps I should, because it will be mine and successive generations that feel the consequences of decisions that are beng made for us by those who may not be around much longer to see the results.

And anyway, where was my invitation to the party?

• Rhian is the Shropshire Star’s teen blogger, speaking out on the issues that interest and affect her.
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